12 Best Public Pools In And Around Los Angeles

Or it might be here already when you’re reading this, but when the temperatures rise and you need to cool off – that means it’s time to go swimming.

If you have a pool in your backyard, you’re one of the lucky ones (and you should be inviting us all over immediately), but if you don’t, you’re going to need to know where to find the best Public Swimming Pools in Los Angeles. Here’s our list of public pools in and around Los Angeles from Santa Monica to the Valley. Jump in!

The swimming pool at the Central Park Recreation Center re-opened in 2016 after being closed for twelve years. Now families can enjoy the pool and the extensive renovations which cost slightly more than $4 million. It’s an outdoor, unheated pool that also features a splash pad. Check the website for hours and fees. This pool is only open in the Summer.

You’ll find two heated pools at the Santa Monica Swim Center, which is located on the campus of Santa Monica College; one fitness pool and one a more shallow, slightly warmer “splash pool.” Open swim hours are offered every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Fees are slightly higher for those who are not residents of Santa Monica, and a special “Family Weekend” rate is offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This pool is open year-round.

Stoner Pool is a terrific way to spend time on a hot day in West LA. There are super fun water jets, a beach entry (which is perfect for the littlest ones), and even a “beginner” water slide. There’s a lap swim area on one side, picnic tables and a fun park next door. This pool is only open in the Summer.

“The Plunge” is a 40,000 square-foot facility. If you prefer more relaxed, recreational swimming (as opposed to lap swimming) there are special hours available each day of the week. Children under 48 inches tall are required to be with an adult; there’s a 1-to-1 ratio. Check the website for the pool’s schedule. This pool is open year-round.

Located at Santa Monica State Beach, the Annenberg Community Beach Houseis a 5-acre property. The Beach House does not require membership and offers a splash pad, children’s play area, and pool. Information on admission fees and pool hours are available online, and keep in mind that Mondays (except for holidays) are Half-Price Mondays. A small cafe is located on-site as well. (Click here to read our Guide to the Annenberg Community Beach House). This pool is only open in the Summer.

Located a short distance from The Grove, the Pan Pacific Park Pool is a neighborhood favorite. This outdoor, unheated pool will be open through Labor Day. Adult admission (18-64 years old) is $3.50 and children (infants through 17 years old) are $1. Check the website for hours. This pool is only open in the Summer.

Within West Hollywood Park and adjacent to the West Hollywood Library, you’ll find the West Hollywood Pool. This outdoor, heated pool also features a disabled access ramp. There are special hours for lap swim as well as recreational swim. You don’t have to be a West Hollywood resident to use the pool although the admission fees are slightly higher for non-residents. Check the website for fees and hours. This pool is open year-round.

If your family is in Pasadena, then you’ll be pleased to know that the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center offers Family Swim times every day of the week. Check the website for hours. Adults can swim for $2, children (17 and under) are $1. Also, this Pool has a 1-to-1 ratio — meaning every child under 8 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. You’ll find a cafe on site as well. This pool is open year-round.

This Hollywood-neighborhood pool, located within the Hollywood Recreation Center, was redesigned and reopened just a few years ago. This outdoor, unheated pool features a spiral water slide and diving board. Admission is $3.50 for adults and $1 for children (up to age 17). This pool is only open in the Summer.

The Knollwood Pool is located on the south side of the Knollwood Country club Golf Course. This kidney-shaped pool is smaller than some of the other public pools; it has a maximum occupancy of 60. Open swim is available from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm each day. This pool is only open in the Summer.

If your family lives in Burbank, check out the Verdugo Aquatic Center. It’s open seven days a week, with each day’s hours posted online. In addition to the recreational pool, the Verdugo site has a large water slide. (Water slide riders must be at least 47 inches tall). Fees are slightly higher for non-Burbank residents. The on-site “Snack Shack” offers food, drinks, and snacks. This pool is only open in the Summer.

At the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, you’ll find a 1.5-acre swimming lake ready to help your family stay cool. During the summer season, it’s open seven days a week. Admission is $3.50 for adults and children are $1. The swim lake is large, with a 3,000-swimmer capacity. It also has two large water slides (riders must be at least 48 inches and 7 years of age). The swim lake does require a 1-to-1 ratio (one adult per child, under the age of 7). This pool is only open in the Summer.

The San Fernando Regional Pool is open every day. You’ll find an Olympic-size pool with diving boards as well as a smaller recreational pool complete with water slide. There’s also a splash pad and a concession stand on site.This pool is only open in the Summer (for public swimming).

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